2026 Team Preview: Washington Patriots

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 SEASON RECAP</h2>   Biggest Losses: DB Camren Togans - QB Kyle Athey - WR Chris Durand - DB Mario Prince - DL Brandtley Lawson - K Emilio Perez-Diggs   Washington endured a challenging 2025 season, finishing 2-8 and falling to EPAC rival Jefferson in the opening round of the playoffs. The Patriots managed just one victory against West Virginia competition as a young roster worked through the growing pains that followed a successful 2024 campaign. A smaller senior class left several players adjusting to larger roles throughout the year, but those valuable snaps should help lay the groundwork as the program looks to take a step forward in 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h2>   8/28: vs Woodrow Wilson 9/4: at Hedgesville 9/11: at University 9/18: at Bishop O'Connell (VA) 10/2: vs Spring Mills 10/9: vs South Hagerstown (MD) 10/16: vs Martinsburg 10/23: vs Hampshire 10/30: at Musselman 11/6: at Jefferson   2025 Record: 3-8 (Playoffs Round One) 2026 Prediction: 3-7   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h2>   Washington returns plenty of experience from last year's roster, giving the Patriots valuable continuity with both their players and coaching staff heading into 2026. The strength of this team starts in the trenches, where they have the pieces to compete, while several returning skill players provide reasons for optimism on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback remains the biggest question mark with an open competition still underway, but there are winnable games on the schedule if Washington puts together complete performances. The Patriots should be a more competitive group this fall, and with promising talent continuing to move through the younger classes, the program is trending in a positive direction.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   Washington will lean heavily on 2027 ATH/DB Phillip Shields after he emerged as one of the Patriots' most productive players a season ago. Whether it was carrying the football or making plays in the open field, Shields consistently found ways to give the offense a spark and finished just shy of 1,000 total yards with five touchdowns. He's expected to be a central part of Washington's game plan again this fall as the Patriots look for more consistency on offense. While he can impact the game in multiple phases, his athletic traits also make him an intriguing defensive back prospect at the next level. A productive senior season could bring even more recruiting attention along with postseason recognition.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Washington returns one of the state's more intriguing offensive line prospects in 2027 OL Gunnar Waxler, who continues to attract more attention on the recruiting trail. His 6'8 310 frame is difficult to find at the high school level, and that size alone makes him a player colleges want to evaluate. Waxler has stayed active on the camp circuit and recently picked up a D1 offer from Long Island, another sign that his recruitment is gaining momentum. He'll be counted on to anchor the Patriots' offensive line this season, and a strong senior campaign could lead to even more opportunities at the next level.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Another key returner up front is 2027 Washington OL Kaiden Jones, who quietly put together a strong junior season for the Patriots. Jones earned a spot among the state's Top 25 offensive linemen after handling left tackle duties, giving Washington another experienced piece in the trenches. His physical style and athleticism should keep him on college radars, with guard appearing to be his best long-term fit. As Washington looks to build on last season, Jones will play an important role in helping set the tone up front.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Washington also returns 2027 OL Vincent Arnicar, another experienced starter who has been a fixture on the offensive line since his freshman season. Arnicar brings leadership and a physical presence to the trenches, giving the Patriots another player capable of setting the tone up front. Despite not posting film over the past two years, he's a prospect we've been eager to see again after showing plenty of promise early in his career. If Arnicar puts together a strong senior season and updates his film, he could quickly draw the attention of college programs.     BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2027 Washington OL/DL Matthew Gordillo gives the Patriots another returning starter with experience in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Whether he's opening running lanes on offense or battling at the point of attack defensively, Gordillo brings versatility that should benefit Washington throughout the season. His athleticism allows him to move well in space, and his frame gives colleges multiple ways to project him at the next level. With so much experience returning up front, Gordillo will be an important part of the Patriots' success this fall.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   A larger impact could be waiting for 2028 RB Xavier Mack after showing flashes over the past two seasons. We've been high on Mack since his freshman year, and this feels like the season everything starts coming together for him. Washington may lean heavily on its ground game, putting Mack in position to handle a significant workload as a junior. He's a bigger-bodied back who runs with a physical downhill style but has enough elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. If the Patriots establish the run early, don't be surprised if Mack is right in the middle of that success.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2028 ATH/DB Neil Powell is one of the more versatile players on Washington's roster and remains in the mix at quarterback heading into the season. No matter where he lines up, Powell brings the kind of athleticism that can create big plays with the ball in his hands. He projects well in the slot, where his quickness and playmaking ability can give the Patriots another weapon offensively. With a larger role expected this fall, Powell is a strong candidate to put together a breakout junior season.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>   Avorie Brown - 2027 WR/DB   Allen Casey - 2027 RB/LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1335560' first='Chayce' last='Miller'] - 2027 LB   Ja'Kel Watkins - RB/DL   Codie Titus - 2028 LB   Jeremy Korpan - 2028 DL   [player_tooltip player_id='2079513' first='Chase' last='Perroots'] - 2029 LB   [player_tooltip player_id='2112406' first='Khamari' last='Ankton-Coleman'] - 2029 RB/DB   [player_tooltip player_id='2112708' first='Johnathan' last='Mitchell'] - 2029 LB

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